Do you dream of perfectly neat edges around your garden beds, but dread the back-breaking work it takes to get them? Many gardeners face this exact challenge. Those traditional, short-handled shears force you to constantly stoop and bend. It can leave your back aching and your patience thin. Finding the right long-handled lawn shears should make yard work easier, not harder.
The sheer variety available can feel overwhelming. Should you choose steel blades or aluminum? What about the handle length? These decisions impact comfort and the final look of your lawn. We understand the frustration of buying a tool that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the key features you must consider. You will learn exactly what makes a great pair of long-handled shears. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the perfect tool. Get ready to achieve those crisp, clean lines with less strain!
Top Long Handled Lawn Shears Recommendations
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Steel blade lawn shears ideal for a variety of pruning while standing such as trimming grass, flower beds, trees, and maintaining sidewalks
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Gardening shears with low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; Blades swivel 360 degrees for easy trimming at all angles; Non-slip grip handle provides a comfortable grip
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Hedge Shears with steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars garden shears and tools are built to last
- QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars grass shears, handheld, are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space
- INCLUDES: Fiskars 36" Long Handled Grass Shears; Lifetime Warranty
- WHEELED SUPPORT: Provides stability and control, allowing smooth gliding over grass for precise cuts without adjusting the blade angle manually.
- 180° SWIVEL BLADE: Easily adjusts for trimming in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining control through the wheeled design.
- SK5 HEAT-TREATED STEEL BLADES: Professional-grade, chrome-plated blades ensure sharp, clean cuts for grass and shrubs.
- COMFORTABLE UPRIGHT TRIMMING: The 38-inch handle allows for easy trimming without back strain.
- DURABLE STEEL HANDLE: Lightweight yet strong construction offers maximum control and lasting durability.
- Premium Finnish long-handled edging shears--ideal for cutting long grass in awkward-to-reach places
- Longer-length 100 cm handles help reduce bending and back strain
- Heated steel blades for durability and strength
- Cushion bumper
- Soft-grip handles
- Long Ergonomic Handles: The 36-inch handles allow you to stand upright while trimming, minimizing strain on your back and reducing the need to kneel or bend.
- Sharp High-Carbon Steel Blades: The precision-engineered 5 1/2" blades stay sharp longer, making clean, effortless cuts on grass, weeds, and small plants.
- Built-in Wheels: It has wheels for effortless maneuverability, and to allow you to rest the shears on the ground while working, reducing physical strain.
- Adjustable Cutting Angle: The shears feature an adjustable cutting head, so you can customize the angle for optimal comfort and cutting efficiency.
- Perfect for Lawn Edging: Ideal for trimming grass along edges, flower beds, sidewalks, and garden borders, giving your lawn a polished and manicured look.
- Scotts cordless hedge trimmer uses a 7.2-volt 2ah high-capacity lithium-ion battery; fast charger included
- electric edger with an easy tool-less blade replacement with a 6.7"" hedge blade and 3.5"" shear blade i
- durable hedge clipper with a pivoting and adjustable cutting head to make trimming easier and more comfortable in hard-to-reach areas
- hedger with a telescopic wheeled extension handle so you can trim grasses and plants in the ground without bending over
- planet-friendly power trimmer that doesn't require gas or oil to function, and does not emit harmful fumes; 2-year warranty
- Lawn shear for cutting in difficult-to-reach areas where lawn mowers cannot gain access. Suitable for cutting in shrubs, borders, around tress, etc.
- Stamped, fully hardened, double-bevelled blade covered in black Xylan(R)-coating, and the counterblade with black Xyland-coating.
- Straight cutting edge, 20-cm length, and 90-cm long handles of round steel tubes, fitted with black plastic covers
The Essential Buying Guide for Long Handled Lawn Shears
Long handled lawn shears are fantastic tools. They help you trim grass edges and hedges without bending over. This saves your back! Choosing the right pair makes yard work much easier. This guide shows you what to look for before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
Good shears have features that boost performance and comfort. Think about these things:
Blade Length and Type
- Blade Length: Longer blades cut more grass with each snip. Look for blades between 8 and 10 inches for general edging.
- Blade Material: Steel blades are strong. Some blades have a non-stick coating. This coating stops sap and grass from sticking, making cleanup simple.
- Cutting Action: Some shears use a scissor action. Others use a slicing action. Scissor action is often better for thicker stems.
Handle Design and Comfort
- Handle Length: The handles should let you stand upright while working. Aim for handles that reach your waist or slightly higher.
- Grips: Soft, rubber grips prevent blisters. They also give you a better hold, even if your hands are sweaty.
- Adjustability: Some high-end models let you change the handle angle. This lets you customize the tool for your height and the job you are doing.
Weight and Balance
Lighter shears mean less fatigue. A well-balanced shear feels natural in your hands. Heavy shears tire you out quickly, especially during long trimming sessions.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your shears last and how well they cut.
Steel Quality
Most good blades use high-carbon steel. This steel holds a sharp edge longer than softer metals. Cheaper shears often use softer metal. This metal dulls fast and needs frequent sharpening.
Handle Construction
Handles are usually made from wood, fiberglass, or aluminum.
- Wood: Traditional and sturdy, but wood can rot if left wet.
- Aluminum: Very light, but you must check the joints where the handle meets the blade mechanism.
- Fiberglass: Strong and weather-resistant. Fiberglass is often the best choice for durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality shines through in the details. Pay attention to how the parts connect.
Sharpening and Maintenance
High-quality shears often have blades that are easy to sharpen. If you can easily access the cutting edges with a file, you will keep them working well for years.
Durability Features
- Tension Spring: A strong spring snaps the blades open after each cut. A weak spring forces you to manually pull the blades apart, slowing you down.
- Rivets and Bolts: Look for strong rivets that hold the blades together. Wobbly blades cut poorly and break sooner.
Low-quality shears often use thin plastic parts or soft metal. These parts wear out quickly under normal use.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the shears affects your best choice.
Edging vs. Trimming
- Lawn Edging: If you mainly trim grass along sidewalks or driveways, you need a shear with a very sharp, straight blade.
- Hedge Trimming: For shaping small shrubs or bushes, you might prefer a slightly curved blade for easier shaping motions.
Ease of Use
If you have arthritis or weak grip strength, look for shears with a locking mechanism. This keeps the blades closed when you are not actively cutting. Also, check reviews for feedback on how easy the shear is to maneuver around tight corners.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long Handled Lawn Shears
Q: How long should the handles be for an average adult?
A: Handles should generally reach about waist height. This lets you stand comfortably without hunching over while cutting.
Q: Are powered shears better than manual long handled shears?
A: Manual shears require no gas or batteries. They are great for light, precise trimming. Powered shears are faster for large areas but require maintenance.
Q: How often should I sharpen my lawn shears?
A: If you use them often, sharpen the blades once or twice a season. If the cut looks ragged, it is time to sharpen.
Q: What is the difference between grass shears and hedge shears?
A: Grass shears usually have shorter, finer blades for close work near the ground. Long handled shears are better for reaching high hedges or wide lawn borders.
Q: Can I use lawn shears to cut woody branches?
A: No. These shears are for soft grass and thin stems. Trying to cut thick wood will dull or break the blades.
Q: What is a non-stick coating on the blades?
A: This coating reduces friction. It stops wet grass and sticky sap from building up on the blades, making cutting smoother.
Q: How do I store my long handled shears?
A: Always clean off dirt and moisture first. Store them hanging up in a dry place, like a shed or garage, to prevent rust.
Q: Do I need to oil the moving parts?
A: Yes. Apply a light machine oil to the pivot points and spring mechanism every few months. This keeps the cutting action smooth.
Q: What makes a shear “self-sharpening”?
A: True self-sharpening is rare. Usually, this means the blades are designed to rub against each other in a way that keeps the very edge slightly honed during normal use.
Q: Are aluminum handles strong enough?
A: Aluminum handles are very light and good for reducing fatigue. However, ensure the connection points to the blade head are reinforced, as this is a common weak spot.